Rubbish dumped on vacant land in Altona. 83753 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By ALESHA CAPONE
PROPERTY police in Hobsons Bay have been busy, issuing an average one penalty notice per week to neglectful land owners during the past year.
The Hobsons Bay City Council director of business and finance, Glenn O’Sullivan, said during the 2011-2012 financial year, the council issued “62 infringement notices to owners of land considered unsightly or dangerous”.
Under the municipality’s local laws, property owners and occupiers are required to keep their premises in a condition which is not deemed “detrimental to the general amenity of the neighbourhood”.
Council employees can issue on the spot fines of up to $360 for land containing unconstrained rubbish, disused excavation materials or grass taller than 150 millimetres.
Land which is used to store dangerous materials, without a permit, can also attract a fine.
Figures provided to Star show the municipality’s ‘messiest’ suburb during the latest financial year, out of about 12 areas, was Laverton – which accounted for almost a third of the 62 properties issued with fines.
“This figure includes 19 notices in Laverton, 15 in Newport and eight each in Altona Meadows and Williamstown,” Mr Sullivan said.
He said the notices were issued for predominantly residential and vacant land.
“Land considered unsightly or dangerous may be unsightly due to rubbish, derelict vehicles or waste material or may constitute a fire hazard with overgrown grass or weeds,” he said.
“Snakes and vermin also may hide in long grass and rubbish.
“Owners and occupiers of land are responsible for keeping their land in a safe and reasonable state.”
During March this year, the council carried out 60 cleaning assignments, with approximately 43 per cent relating to dumped waste.
Anyone who witnesses rubbish dumped in public areas – such as car parks, reserves or footpaths – can notify the council at www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au or by calling 9932 1000.
